A grieving widow tells the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry how the scandal affected those who lost loved ones to the pandemic.

On 27 October 2023, Jane Morrison, who lost her wife to Covid-19 in 2020, gave a powerful testimony at the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry, describing the Partygate scandal as the “ultimate insult” to those who had lost loved ones during the pandemic. The inquiry, which is investigating the government’s response to Covid-19, heard emotional accounts of how the revelations of gatherings at Downing Street, held in violation of lockdown rules, deeply hurt families who had followed the strict restrictions to protect others. Morrison explained that the breach of trust felt by those who had endured the pain of loss was compounded by the apparent disregard for the sacrifices made by the public. Her testimony added to the growing criticism of government actions during the height of the pandemic.